Printing telegraph apparatus



5, 1940- c. wQBuRcKY 2,220,364

PRINTING TELEGRAPH APPARATUS I 1119a Dec. so, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 1,

FIG. 2 I22 I 98 INVENTOR. CHARLES ,W. BURCKY BY JMW ATTORNEY.

Nov; 5, 1940. c. w. 'BURCKY 2,220,364

I PRINTING TELEGRAPH APPARATUS Filed Dec. 30, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

CHARLES W. BURCKY B s9 A ORNEY.

Patented Nov. 5, 1940 ATENT oFFicE PRINTING TELEGRAPH APPARATUS Charles W. Burcky, Chicago, 111., assignor to Teletype Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Delaware Application December 30, 1938, Serial No. 248,539

11 Claims.

This invention relates to printing telegraph apparatus and more particularly to types of such apparatus capable of tabular recording.

The principal object of the invention is to provide in a keyboard perforator and transmitter means effective in preparing a control strip for controlling telegraphically the recordation of information containing tabular operations.

A feature of the invention is to produce a sign! nal control strip so perforated as to provide Variable tabulation time intervals by inserting in the control strip variable pluralities of tabulationtime code signals having non-spacing, nonprinting attributes.

Another feature of the invention resides in providing in a keyboard perforator transmitter mechanism controlled by the operator, using the tabulator mechanism as an indication, whereby the code signal allotted to the operated function key lever is repeated consecutively a number of times corresponding to the tabulation time.

To achieve the above and other objects of the invention, a keyboard perforator transmitter of the type disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 1,965,572

is modified for the production of perforated tape to be subsequently employed to control the transmission of message matter embodying tabulation operations.

In printing telegraph systems employing re- I13 cording apparatus provided with tabulating mechanism, a variable interval of time is required to move the type carriage (or platen carriage, as the case may be) from one tabular position to another. This interval will here be termed tabulating time. In the manual operation of key controlled recording apparatus, cognizance is taken of tabulating time by the operator, who, during such time, refrains from operation of the keyboard. However, in automatic operation of U such recording apparatus under remote control of tape transmitters wherein the apparatus is unattended for considerable periods of time, it is desirable to reproduce the effects of manual control during tabulation so as to maintain a tabu- 45 lating condition automatically during the time that the carriage is in motion while tabulating, thus attaining proper tabular operation of the recording apparatus.

The present invention provides for the opera- Citive association of a keyboard perforator transmitter with a receiving printer, whereby the receiving printer may be made to respond to the operation of the keyboard transmitter simultaneously with the perforation of a tape. Such 55 an arrangement produces a printed copy or home record corresponding to the perforations inthe tape. Specifically, when a perforated record is made which involves tabulated portions, it is expedient to compensate for the tabulation time required at the recorder, either by suspending transmission during tabulation, as disclosed in U. S. Pate ents Nos. 2,104,071 and 2,104,110, or by employing the arrangement or methods according to the present invention, which continues transmission but suspends printing. As in the type of tabulating recorder disclosed in U. S. Patents 2,104,071 and 2,104,110, a tabulator bar extends across the front of the machine, is carried by. brackets mounted in the typing unit,- and is capable of 15 swinging toward and away. from the type carriage. The tabulator bar carries a number of adjustable stop members which determine the positions to which the type carriage is automatically propelled (each of which distances is equivalent to a plurality of character spaces) following the reception of a tabulator code signal combination.

According to the methodembraced by this invention, a means is provided for blocking the tabulator function lever after one selective operation thereof, and a device is provided which produces repeat perforations of the tabulator code combination in the tape. The arrangement is responsive to the tabulator signals for blocking the tabulator function lever after one operation and for holding the function lever blocked during the time required to move the type carriage during, tabulation. The blocln'ng mechanism is reset when a character is transmitted .utilizing thereby a complete forward stroke of the printing bail. ,Briefly, the holding of the tabulator key depressed provides repeat perforations of the tabulator combination in the tape, which, when the tape is sent through the transmitter distributor, will consume the required amount of line time for the carriage to tabulate from one stop to the next. When the carriage has come to rest at the new position, the printing of a character, or merely spacing one space, will reset the mechanism.

A better understanding of the present invention may be had from the following descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters are used to designate similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein;

1 is a front elevaticnal, view partly in section of a keyboard perforator and transmitter embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmental perspective view of the arrangement according to the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic electrical diagram of the perforator magnet operating circuit;

Fig. 6 is a detailed sectional view taken on line 44 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. '7 is a sectional view taken on line of Fig. 1 showing the arrangement according to the present invention in one of its operative positions.

Having reference to Fig. 1, there is shown a receiving printer of the type disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 1,904,164 to which is associated a tabulator mechanism and control means therefor, a keyboard, a perforator, and a transmitter. This combined apparatus comprises a base portion, indicated generally by the numeral upon which is mounted a typing unit, indicated generally as |2. Associated with the base portion H is a perforator, indicated generally l3, and a transmitter, indicated generally l4.

Positioned at the rear of the base portion II is a pivot rod 5 (Fig. 1), which extends transversely of the base portion. On the pivot rod l5 a plurality of key levers l6 are rotatably mounted which are normally urged upwardly by individual springs (not shown) and which are provided, as is the usual practice, on the forward end with keys (not shown) arranged in banks. Beneath the key levers I6, and extending transversely thereof, are a plurality of pairs of permutation bars l9 and 2|. As is well known, the number of pairs of permutation bars corresponds to the number of elements in the permutation code; for example, five or six. The permutation bars I9 and 2| are provided at each end with vertical slots or notches 22 and 23, respectively, which fit over guides 24 and 25. The bars l9 and 2| are thus held against longitudinal movement, but are free to be shifted vertically in response to the operation of key levers l6.

Pivotally mounted on rods 26 and 21 are a pair of rocker arms 28 and 29 interposed between each pair of bars I 9 and 2|. The rocker arms 28 and 29 are substantially T-shaped, with their free ends formed with ofiset lugs on opposite sides of the pivot rods 26 and 21 and spaced some distance therefrom, one of the lugs of each rocker arm projecting forwardly beneath the lower edge of the corresponding permutation bar 2|, and its other lug projecting rearwardly beneath the companion permutation bar l9. With this arrangement, the depression of either permutation bar of the pair of bars l9 and 2| rocks the arms 28 and 29 and lifts the companion permutation bar. To the depending portion of each T-shaped rocker arm 28 and 29 is pivotally articulated a longitudinally movable link 3|. Thus, when the permutation bars l9 and 2| are moved vertically in accordance with the depression of a key lever IS, the link 3| individual to a pair of the permutation bars l9 and 2| is moved longitudinally.

Each of the key levers I8 is arranged, when operated, to engage and depress one of the permutation bars of each pair of permutation bars l9 and 2| and to set these permutation bars in accordance with a character code combination. The :upper edges of permutation bars l9 and 2| are variously notched to provide high and low portions in accordance with the respective 004% signals. Also, the bars of each pair of permutation bars l9 and 2| are complementary; that is, the notches of one bar are opposite the projection of its companion bar. The interconnection between the bars of each pair of bars l9 and 2| by means of the rocker arms 28 and 29 prevent the simultaneous depression of two key levers. If an attempt is made to operate more than one key lever, the key levers can only be depressed for a short distance, when they will be blocked by the high portions of the permutation bars l9 and 2|. By this construction, the simultaneous depression of two key levers and the transmission of an incorrect signal is prevented.

The perforator l3 comprises a set of code punches 32 movable through an opening in upper and lower guide plates 33 and 34, and cooperative with a guide plate 35 to perforate the tape 36. The plates 33 and 35 are spaced apart to form a tape guide. Intermediate the guide plates 33 and 34 is a stripper plate 31 which cooperates with shoulders on the code punches 32 and on a feed hole punch (not shown), and due to the action of springs 38 operates to remove the punches 32' clear of the tape following the operation of a punch hammer 39. The code punches 32 areselectively operated by the actuating member or punch hammer 39 and a set of interponent bars 4| corresponding in number to the code punches 32. An interponent is, of course, provided for the feed hole punch (not shown), but this interponent is permanently in register therewith. Operatively associated with each of the bars 4| is a pivoted arm 42 which is connected to a link 3| by means of a connecting bar 43.

The hammer 39 rocks about its pivot 44 and forms the armature of an electromagnet 45. The interponents 4| are adapted to slide on the hammer 39. When the perforating magnet 45 is unenergized, the hammer 39 is retained in its counterclockwise position by a spring 46. Punch hammer 39 carries at the left end thereof a pawl member 41 which cooperates with ratchet teeth 48 of a spacing roller 49, which is also provided with feed pins 5| adapted to mesh with the feed holes which are invariably perforated in the tape 36. Thus, when the magnet 45 is energized and the hammer39 is rocked to its clockwise position, pawl 41 is raised to engage a tooth 48 on n the spacing roller 49. Then, upon the deenergization of magnet 45, spring 46 actuates the hammer 39 to its counterclockwise position and draws the pawl 41 downwardly, which movement causes the spacing roller 49 to be rotated counterclockwise one angular step to effect the spacing of the tape 36 one unit distance.

To insure complete operation of the perforating magnet 45 upon each depression of a key lever I6, a positive latch control for the perforator operating contact is provided which is adapted to be automatically released only upon the complete or effective energization of the perforator magnet. In addition to the five (or six) pairs of permutation bars |9 and2l, there is provided an additional bar 40 (Fig. 4), the link 3| of which is connected by a bar similar to 43 to a contact operating lever 50 (Fig. 1). Associated with contact operating lever 50 is the pair of contacts 52. In the unoperated position of the apparatus, the contact operating lever 50 is held in its clockwise position by a spring 53, which constitutes also a return spring for the universal bar 40, and through control of an insulated striker the contacts 52 are held open. Then, upon the operation of a key lever Hi, the contact operating lever 50 is operated counterclockwise to close the contacts 52, and at its end 54 it becomes engaged by a latch lever 55, thus latching the contacts 52 closed. When the magnet 45 becomes energized, and its armature is attracted to rotate the print hammer 39 clockwise, an adjustable-striker 51 carried on a bracket 58 integral with print hammer 39 acts upon arm 59 of latch lever 55 to rock thelatch lever 55 counterclockwise, thus disengaging said latch from the end portion 54 of lever 50, whereupon lever 50 is rocked clockwise by its spring 53 to permit contact 52 to open. It is thus seen that with this anti-chatter arrangement, the energizing of the clutch magnet 45 may not be affected by a tremulous touch on a key lever l6 since, as soon as the key has been depressed'to close contact 52, the latch lever 55 acts immediately to maintain said contact 52 in the closed position, whereafter they will be opened only upon energization of magnet 45 and operation of hammer 39 through the cooperation of striker 51 and arm 59.

When the perforating mechanism I3 is employed in combination with the keyboard transmitter M, the permutation links 3| are each provided with a pair of upstanding guide lugs 6|. Interposed between each pair of lugs 6| is a depending arm of a locking latch 62, pivoted on a common rod 63. In this manner, locking latches 62 are pivotally articulated to the permutation links 3! and are adapted to be rocked about pivot rod 63 between either of two positions. Associated with latches 62 are acorresponding series of contact levers 64 for making and breaking individual contacts 65. Each contact lever 64 cooperates with a contact cam 66, individual thereto, mounted on a transmitting shaft 61 which is provided with a clutch mechanism 68 (Fig. 4) controlled by a trip member 56 operatively connected to a universal bar member 69, as set forth in U. S. Patent No. 1,965,572.

The earns 66 are assembled as a unit together with the collar 66, the end of which is serrated, and is normally urged along the shaft 6'! to the right, as viewed in Fig. 4, by a spring ll. Secured to the shaft 6'! and arranged to cooperate with the collar 68 is a similarly serrated collar l2. The shaft 6'! is operatively connected through suitable gearing to the main drive shaft 99 mounted in the typing unit H. The main drive shaft 96 derives its power through a gear 96 and pinion 9'! from a motor 98. Thus, the shaft 6? is connected to a source of driving power, comprising the motor 96 in a manner such that it is driven continuously, but due to the arrangement of the collars 68 and it which constitute a clutch between the shaft 61 and the cams 66, the latter may be selectively rotated.

The spring ll tends to move the collar 66' along the shaft El and into engagement with the collar l2, but this action of the spring is normally prevented by means of a pivoted arm or trip member 56 which is spring urged into the path of a shoulder '33 formed on the collar 68. The shoulder 73 is also formed with a gradual camming surface so that as the collar 68 rotates it will cooperate with the associated portion of the stop arm 56 and cause the collar 68 to be moved along the shaft 61 against the action of spring ll to disengage the serrated portions of the collars 68 and 12 and stop the rotation of the collar 68 and itsassociated cams 66. Trip member 56 has a horizontal portion 14 which is operatively associated with one arm of a T-shaped lever 15, the depending arm of which is pointed as at 16, and which is normally in the path of a shoulder 11 formed in a trip-off pawl member 18. The member 18 is linked to the universal bail 69 which is rotatably mounted on trunnions l9, and which is rocked upon the depression of any of the keys of the keyboard.

The universal bail 69 and the member 78 are normally biased to a position shown in Fig. 4

by a spring 8|, one end of which is fastened to the member 18, and its other end is secured to a stationary bracket (not shown). When the universal bail 69 is depressed, the member l8 against the action of spring 8| will be moved to the left as viewed in Fig. 4, and the shoulder l1 will engage the pointed end 16 of the T-shaped lever 15 and cause the member 56 to be moved, through the depression of portion M, out of engagement with the shoulder 13 of collar 68. Under these conditions the spring ll urges the collar 68 to the right, as viewed in Fig. 2, and the serrated portions of the collars 68 and 12 are brought into engagement with each other so that the power from shaft 61 is effective to rotate the cams 66 through one complete cycle. When the cams 66 approach the end of their cycle of rotation, the cam surface preceding the shoulder 13 is effective with the trip member 56 to move the collar 66 against the action of spring H and effects the disengagement of the serrated portions of the collars 68 and 12.

The universal ball 69 is urged to its normal position by spring 8| so that the member it will likewise be urged to its normal rightward position. Due to the action of a trip-off pawl eccentric 69 in camming the shoulder ll of tripolf pawl 16 out of engagement with the end l6 of member 15, the latter will be restored to its normal position invariably for each operation of the keyboard mechanism, thus providing a non-repeat mechanism. However, in some instances it is desired to continue the rotation of the cam assembly 66 for a longer period, as previously mentioned as one of the objects ofthe present invention, and for a period suificient to transmit successively a plurality of groups of impulses of the same character. In order to achieve this result, there is associated with a space bar loop 82 a member 83, which is fastened to a rod 84, on which the space rod 82 is loosely mounted. Member 83 is provided with a forwardly extending portion 85 having a laterally disposed end 86 adapted to be disposed beneath the space bar loop 82. Member 83 is also provided with a vertically extending portion 8?, to the upper extremity of which is connected a rod 88. The rod 88 has: a horizontally extending reverted portion 89 which is normally in alignment with the downwardly extending portion of the T-shaped member 15. Consequently, when the space bar loop 82 is depressed, it will act through extremity 86 of arm 85 of member 83 to move the rod 88 to the left, as viewed in Fig. l, and the portion 89 will engage the downwardly extending portion of the-T-shaped member '15 and cause its rotation and the corresponding rotation of stop member 56 for releasing cams 66 for rotation. The T-shaped lever '55 will be held in a position to retract the stop member 56 from cooperation with shoulder 13 and the cams 66 will be rotated through successive cycles as long as the space bar 82 is held depressed.

In order to repeat a code combination identified with a particular key, for example the tabulato-r key as will appear hereinafter, the space bar mechanism of the apparatus accordingto the present invention is shown, as indicated in Fig. 4, with an arm 9! fixed to the rod 84. The arm BI is provided at its extremity with a laterally extending portion 92 which, according to the present embodiment, is located below the key lever 93 identified with the tabulator combination.

In the operation of the transmitting unit I4, the depression of a key lever It moves the permutation bars IS and 2| permutably in accordance with a predetermined code combination, the setting of which, through link 3i determines the position of the locking latches I32. The rotation of the cams $6 is initiated substantially simultaneously with the setting of the locking latches, through the instrumentality of trip member 56, which is acted upon under the control of the universal bar 69. A locking loop 94 (Fig. 1), controlled by a cam 99, carried on the shaft 61, is permitted to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, asviewed in Fig. 1, to lock the latches 62 in their selected positions. The setting of latches 52 determines whether the contact levers 6 shall or shall not be operated by their associated cams 66 to transmit, through contacts 65 over a signal line 95 to the receiving station, a predetermined code combination of signaling impulses. Incidentally, included in the line circuit is the receiving magnet Id of the home recorder, exemplified by the typing unit I2 of the present embodiment, so that the signals transmitted over the line 95 will also cause a printed record to be made of the matter which is perforated in the tape 36. The respective notches in the cams 66 are arranged in a helical progression so that upon the rotation of the cam assembly, the contacts 65 controlled by levers 64 will be operated successively in accordance with the code to be transmitted. The apparatus herein disclosed is operated in accordance with an equal length letter code in which each code combination is a permutation of marking and spacing conditions and is preceded by a start impulse and followed by a stop impulse according to the well-known start stop system.

When the perforator and transmitter are to be operated simultaneously under the control of a key lever I6, means is provided for starting the operation of the perforating device under control of the transmitting devices to insure that the same signal that is transmitted is also invariably perforated in the tape. To achieve this result, two pairs of contacts IIiI (Fig. 1) are positioned over two adjacent transmitting cams 56, as more fully disclosed and described in copending application Serial No. 167,139 filed Octobar 4, 1937 by R. A. Lake. The pairs of contacts it)! are mounted on a bracket I02, and associated with each pair of contacts I! for controlling the operation of the same is a cam follower I03 or Hi l. In this manner, cam followers I03 and I M ride into the depression of their associated cam 66, which are the same depressions which act to operate the contact levers 64. The purpose of having two pairs of contacts IBI,

I which are connected in parallel (as shown in Fig.

) is to impress a longer operating impulse of the perforating magnet 45 than would be obtained under the same conditions by a single pair of contacts. The contacts IflI are normally open, and when the transmitting cam distributor (comprising cams 65 and contacts 65) is operated, the circuit for the perforator magnet 45 will invariably be closed for the period of substantially two impulse intervals because of' an overlap in the sequential operation of the pairs of contacts. IOI.

The keyboard mechanism shown in Fig. 1 is similar to that described and shown in U. S. Patent No. 1,965,572. With the mechanism shown in said patent, it is desired in some instances to transmit directly to a line circuit code combinations of impulses representative of the character key operated, while in other instances it may be more practical first to perforate the tape in accordance with the key operated, and then to transmit subsequentlythe signals corresponding thereto by subjecting the tape to a tape transmitter. To provide for the several possible conditions of operation of the mechanism, a switch is arranged in-the keyboard apparatus to control the transmission of impulses directly to the line circuit, the perforation of tape only, or the operation of the transmitting distributor and the perforator simultaneously.

To control these various operations, a switch lever I05 (Fig. 1) is provided which is mounted adjacent the transmitting distributor I4. Lever I95 assumes three positions; namely, an upper position IIISA (Fig. 5), a middle position I06, and a lower position IIIGB, and is held in anyone of these positions through the cooperation of a detent bracket I01 (Fig. 1). As shown in Fig. 5, syvitch member I05 is provided with a bifurcated end having strikers which cooperate with a group of five contacts I08. The position of the switch member I135 indicated at IIISA is known as the keyboard position, and is a position wherein only direct keyboard transmission of signals to the line is effected; that is, each time a key lever is operated, the transmitting cam drum is rotated a single cycle to transmit a code combination of signals through contacts 65 to the line 95. In this position of member I05, all of the five contacts of contact bank I08 are opened.

.The position of switch member 105, indicated as I06, is known as the tape and keyboard position, and is" that condition of the apparatus wherein the perforator and transmitting mechanisms are operated simultaneously. In this position, the contacts of the contact bank I 08 are arranged, as shown in Fig. 5, wherein the lower contact H2 remains closed, and in this position the energizing circuit for the perforating magnet 45 extends from positive battery over conductors I09 and III, through contact H2, through contacts IOI associated with the transmitting cams, then over conductor II3, through the winding of the perforating magnet 45, then to negative battery. From the previous description it is observed that contacts IIII are closed periodically, once for each cycle of rotation of the transmitting cam drum. In this manner, the operation of the perforator magnet 45 is assured. The position of the switch member H35 indicated in Fig. 5 as the I063, is known as the tape position, and in this position, the automatic tabulating mechanism is not used.

Referring particularly to Fig. 2, a motor 98 supplies power, through a pinion 9'! and gear 96 to the main operating shaft SI of the typing unit I2. Shaft 90 carries a portion of the spacing mechanism of the printing apparatus, indicated generally as H4, and the selector cam assembly, indicated generally as II5.- As is known in this type of apparatus, power is communicated from the motor 98 to a cam assembly, indicated generally as IIB, through the instrumentality of a grab clutch II'I. Portion H8 of grab clutch II'I constantly rotates with the shaft 90, which has also frictionally connected thereto the escape wheel and gear of the spacing mechanism H4, and the selecting cam drum I15. Portion H8 is adapted to be cooperatively engagedwith the driven portion II9 of clutch II1 when a throwout lever I2! is operated, in timed relation with the reception of code signals, from a cam on the cam drum H5.

The spacing mechanism is fully described in Patent No. 1,904,164 and is illustrated in Fig. 19 therein and controls, through gear I22, shaft I23, gear I24, and rack I25 (Figs. 2 and 3), the movement of type carriage I26 to form character spaces, acting in this movement to wind up a carriage return spring (not shown).

Positioned parallel to the main operating shaft 95 is a rock shaft I21 (Fig. 3) on which are carried various mechanisms; for example, printing bail I28 and function lever bail I29, and the escapernent pawls of the spacing mechanism I I4. The printing bail I28, which is actuated by a printing spring I3I (Fig. 2) in proper timed relation in the operating cycle, functions to reciprocate a pull bar operating member I32 (Fig. 3) to cause the operation of a type bar I33, as fully described in Patent No. 1,904,164. As more fully described in the latter patent, the selector magnet I0 in response to code signal impulses (impressed on the signal line 95 by the cam distributing contacts 65) controls through the selecting cam assembly II5, a series of elements I34 (Fig. '2) which are articulated to a corresponding plurality of. selector vanes I35 of the selector vane assembly I36. The setting of the selector vanes I35 in accordance with a received code combination of impulses is transferred through a series of bell cranks I31 to a series of code bars I38 carried in the type carriage I26 which is movable longitudinally with respect to a stationary platen, indicated generally as I39, Fig. 3.

The selector vanes I35, as set forth in Patent No. 1,904,164, control a series of function levers, indicated generally as I40 (Fig. 3) among which are the function levers I4I, I42, and I43 particularly concerned with the present invention.

According to the present invention, the keyboard perforator and transmitter of the type disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 1,965,512 is modified for the production of perforated tape to control the transmission of message matter embodying tabulation operations. To achieve this result, the tabulating mechanism which is in accordance with U. S. Patent No. 2,076,864 comprises a tabulator bar I44 extending in front of the printing apparatus, as shown in Fig. 1, and which is provided with depending portions I45 and I46, by means of which it is pivotally mounted on a bracket I41 carried in the printer frame. The tabulator bar I44 is swingable toward and away from the type carriage I2, and is also provided with a longitudinal slot I48 extending substantially the entire length of the bar, within which are carried adjustable stop members I49, which are clamped to the bar I44 by means of the screws I5I (Fig. 4) and clamping members I52. As indicated in Fig. 6, these stop members I49 are provided with an inclined or cam portion I53, conformed to produce a quick camming-out action upon cooperating with a cam element I54, carried by the type carriage I2, to terminate the tabulating operation.

Tabulator bar I44 is also provided, intermediate the depending portions I45 and I46, and

suitably positioned relative to tabulator function lever I42, with another depending portion I55. Attached to and depending from portion I55 is a bar I56, the lower end of which is provided with an aperture I51 (Figs. 8 and 4) having its upper right-hand corner formed so as to provide a re--entrant stepped portion I58. The tabulator bar I44 normally tends to move in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4, due to the action of a spring I59.

Cooperating with the stepped portion I58 is one arm I61 of a lever I62 pivoted at I63. The extremity of arm I6I is provided with a laterally disposed portion I64 which cooperates with portion I58 of the member I56. At the end of arm I65 of the lever I62 is carried a vertically extending member I66, the upper end of which is provided with an open ended slot adapted to engage a pin I61 carried by the upper escapement pawl I68 of the spacing mechanism 4, which is fully described and shown in U. S. Patents 1,904,164 and 2,016,864.

As previously mentioned, the selector vanes I35 control a series of function levers I4I, I42, and I43, including the tabulator function lever I42. Function lever I42 is provided on an arm I69 thereof with code notches and projections which cooperate with the vanes of the selector vane assembly I36, and which are coded to correspond with the tabulator signal. Thus, when the vanes I35 are set according to the tabulator signal in response to the operation of the selector mechanism I0, the tabulator function lever I42 will be selected and will be rotated toward the selector vanes I35, by an individual spring I1I, about its pivot rod I12.

- Normally, however, as set forth in Patent No. 1,904,164, the function levers I40 are restrained against action, by their springs I1 I, by the function lever bail I29 acting through rod'I30 on arms I50. The function lever bail I29 is provided with upturned edges I20 which are adapted to span certain of the function levers I40 wherein it is desired to prevent printing and/or spacing operations, this being effected by permitting arms I50 of such function levers tointercept the upturned edges I20 after only a limited movement thereof, sufiicient to prevent the printing and spacing functions. Of course, the rod I30 of the function lever bail I29, due to its camming action on the inner surface of arms I50 invariably returns the function levers I40 to their normal or unoperated position.

Function lever I42 is provided with a horizontal portion I13, so conformed that its extremity I14 engages the lower edge of arm I65 of lever I62 so that, when function lever I42 (upon its selection) is permitted to rotate in a counterclockwise direction under the action of its spring I1I, the end I14 thereof is raised, thus rotating the lever I62 against the tension of its spring I15 (Fig. 4). I

The laterally disposed end I64 of lever I62 is thereby moved downwardly clear of the stepped portion I58, permitting spring I59 to urge the tabulator bar I44 inwardly (or clockwise as viewed in Fig. 4) until wall I16 of member I56 engages the laterally disposed portion I64. Adjustable stops I49 are moved inwardly into the path of the cam member I54 (Fig. 6), which is pivoted at I11 on a portion I18 integrally formed on a bar I19 (which is comparable to bar 53; shown in Fig. 1 of Patent No. 1,904,164) and which is employed for retaining the bell crank levers I31 in operable relation to the vanes I35.

Cam I54, like bar I19 and bell crank I31, is movable with the type carriage I 25 for carriage spacing, and normally tends to rotate in a clockwise direction about pivot ITI due to the action of a spring I9I, but its clockwise rotation is limited by the coaction of a stop pin I92, carried thereon, with the end of bar I'I9. Consequently, upon the rightward movement of type carriage 526, as viewed in Fig. 1, cam I54, due to its limited rotatability in a clockwise direction, will, by its camming action of stop members I49, rock the tabulator bar I44 outwardly; thus, upon a leftward movement of type carriage I26, cam I54 upon striking the series of stop members I49, will be rotated counterclockwise against the action of spring I9 I, avoiding operation of the cam portion I53. When the tabulator bar is thus actuated outwardly by the cam I54, against the action of spring I59, the laterally disposed portion I54 of lever I62 will escape the stepped portion I58 and, through the action of spring I I5, will resume its unward position shown in Fi s. 3 and 4.

Such is the operation of the tabulator mechanism in response to a tabulator code signal combination. In the preparation of a perforated tape to be used for controlling the transmission of messages embodying tabular matter, it is necessary to take cognizance of the time required to move the carriage from one tabular position to another. According to the present invention, this is effected by inserting in the perforated tape variable pluralities of tabulation-time code combinations of perforations having non-spacing, non-printing attributes. Specifically, the particular non-spacing, non-printing code combination chosen to exemplify the present invention is the tabulator signal, and a device is provided which produces repeat perforations of the tabulator combination in the tape, so that upon the subsequent transmission of said plurality of tabulation signals, the tabulating mechanism of the receiving printer will respond to the first of said tabulator signals, not only to initiate the movement of the type carriage for tabulation, but also to operate a means for blocking the tabulator function lever after one selective operation thereof. Thus, the reception of successive tabulation signals, after the first, will have no effect on the tabulating mechanism.

According to the specific embodiment of the invention exemplified in Figs. 21, 3, and 4, a spring mounting plate I8I (comparable to spring bar H8 in Fig. 6 of Patent No. 1,904,164) is secured to bracket I41 and comprises an integral platform I82 on which are mounted levers I83 and I84, and a slide I85. The lever I83 is pivoted at I86, and one arm thereof terminates in an extension which cooperates with the function lever I 42, so that when the function lever I42 is actuated to its selective position by its spring I'II, it rocks the lever I83 clockwise about its pivot I36 to remove the shoulder I81 out of engagement Withslide I85. The slide I85 is thereupon actuated leftwardly (as viewed in Fig. 2) by a spring I88, distended between the slide I85 and an extension on lever I83, until a projection I89 on the slide I85 is ultimately presentedin front of the function lever I42, thus acting to block or prevent the selective movement of the function lever I42 in response to successive tabulation code signals. Actually, however, when the function lever I42 is selected, it rocks lever I83 clockwise to free the slide I85 for leftward movement by its spring I88, but while function lever I42 isstill in registry with the selector vanes, the slide I85 only moves leftwardly until its projection I89 strikes the side of lever I42, then when the function lever I42 is retrieved by the function lever bail I29 and is returned to its position shown in Fig. 3, the projection I89 is clear of the function lever I42, and the slide I85 is free to move leftwardly the remaining distance to present projection I89 into the path of function lever I42. The righthand arm of lever I83 is offset to clear projection I 89 so as to permit the leftward movement of the slide I85. Thus, the elements I83, I84, and I85 assume the relative positions shown in Fig. '7. Adjacent to the function lever I42 is a function lever I4I which is provided with code notches corresponding to the function lever I42. However, function lever MI is not provided with a rearwardly extending portion similar to I I3. The purpose of function lever I4I is to block or prevent (due to the blocking relationship between edge I20 and arm I50) the performance of the printing and spacing functions during the reception of the plurality of tabulator code signals after the first signal. This is necessary since the function lever I42 is blocked against operation by projection I89 and is non-responsive to the succeeding tabulator signals after the first tabulator signal and it is desirable to prevent printing during the reception of said plurality of tabulator signals. Therefore, the auxiliary lever I 4| is provided to perform this function of blocking the printing operation normally effected by the function lever I42. After the function lever I4I has responded to all of the series of tabulator code signals representing the tabulation time, the elements I83, I84, and I85 are reset to their normal position, shown in Fig. 2, bythe operation of a function lever I43 which responds to the reception of any character code signal or a spacing code signal. In other words, function lever I43 is a universal function lever and is not provided with any code notches, and is actuated toward the vanes I35 by its spring I'II upon any operation of the printer which permits a full stroke of the function lever bail I29.

With the arrangement just described, tabular matteris prepared in tape in the following manner: The printer set is operated with the tapekeyboard key I in the tape and keyboard position, which is the position indicated I09 in Fig. 5. In the operation of the printing, tape perforating and transmitting mechanisms simultaneously, the printed record appears on the page of the printer simultaneously with the perforated record on the tape 36. It is understood, of course, that the tabulation stops I49 have been arranged in a predetermined manner prior to beginning of the printing operations. When it is desired to tabulate, the tabulator key lever 93 is held depressed until the carriage travels to the next tabulator stop I49 and is observed by the operator to come to rest. Holding the key depressed in this manner, provides (through lever 9|, rod 84, arm 87, and rod 88) repeat operations of the transmitting cams 66 and consequently, through contacts IIJI, repeat perforations of the tabulator code combination in the tape 36 which, when the tape is sent through a tape transmitter, will consume the required amount of line time for the carriage I26 to tabulate from one stop I49 to the next without stopping the tape transmitter. When the carriage I23 has reached its new position, the printing, of a character or merely spacing one space willreset the mechanism shown in Fig. 7, so that the operator may then tabulate to the next tabulator stop position, if desired.

When the tape 36, so prepared, is used for tape transmission to a printer having the typing unit of the form indicated I2 in Fig. 1, the first tabulator code combination in the plurality of tabulation code combinations is eifective to select the tabulator function lever I42, which through its portion I13 rocks the lever I 62 counterclockwise (Fig. l) to bring the portion I64 beneath the shoulder I53 and simultaneously through arm I65, to disengage pawl I68 of the spacing mechanism to permit continuous spacing. At the same time, function lever I42 acts upon lever I83 to 15 effect its disengagement from slide I85 so as to present the extension I89 into the path of the function lever I42 to block the same during the reception of successive tabulator code signals. This renders the tabulating mechanism of the printing apparatus ineffective for any but the first of a series of tabulation code signals. Then, when the carriage comes to rest after tabulation, the normal operation of the printing apparatus thereafter in response to a character code signal or a space code signal Will permit the function lever bail I29 to make a full stroke, and accordingly permit the operation of the universal function lever I43, which, when operated, will act upon lever I84 to rotate said lever counterclock- 30 wise to bring the slide I85 to its rightward position into engagement with the shoulder IB'I on lever I83.

Although a particular embodiment of the invention has been described herein, it will be understood that the apparatus is capable of many modifications, and it is contemplated that all changes which come within the range and scope of equivalency are intended to be embraced within the purview of the appended claims.

4 What is claimed is:

1. In a telegraph printer, a carriage, spacing mechanism effective upon said carriage to produce letter spacing, a plurality of function code levers, tabulating mechanism operative in response to the selective operation of a certain one of said levers to control the advancement of said carriage through a predetermined plurality of spaces at a time, and solely mechanical means to prevent the consecutive operation of said certain one of said levers.

2. In a telegraph printer, a carriage, character spacing mechanism effective upon said carriage to produce letter spacing, a plurality of function code levers, tabulating mechanism operative in response to the selective operation of a certain one of said levers to control the advancement of said carriage through a predetermined plurality of spaces at a time, and means operated by said certain one of said levers to prevent the con- 0 secutive operation thereof.

3. In a telegraph printer, a carriage, spacing mechanism effective upon said carriage to produce letter spacing, permutation code mechanism to control operations other than recording com- 5 prising a plurality of function code levers, tabulating mechanism operative in response to the selective operation of a certain one of said levers to control the advancement of said carriage through a predetermined plurality of spaces at a '70 time, means to prevent the consecutive operation of said certain one of said levers, and means effective under certain operating conditions to render said preventing means ineffective.

4. In a telegraph printer, a carriage, spacing '75 mechanism effective upon said carriage to produce character spaces, permutation code mechanism to control operations other than recording comprising a plurality of function code levers, tabulating mechanism operative in response to the selective operation of a certain one of said 5 mechanismeifective upon said carriage to produce character spaces, permutation code mechanism to control operations other than recording comprising a plurality of function code levers, 15 tabulating mechanism operative in response to the selective operation of a certain one of said levers to control the advancement of said carriage through a predetermined plurality of spaces at a time, and means comprising a blocking ele- 20 ment and a pair of control levers therefor effective in response to a non-printing condition to block said certain one of said levers against operation and effective in response to a printing condition to restore said blocking element to its 5 unblocking position.

6. In a telegraph printer, a carriage, spacing mechanism effective upon said carriage to produce character spacing, permutation code mechanism to control operations other than recording 30 comprising a plurality of function code levers, tabulating mechanism operative in response to the selective operation of a certain one of said levers to control the advancement of said carriage through a predetermined plurality of spaces 35 at a time, means controlled by said certain one of said levers to prevent the consecutive operation thereof, and means controlled by another of said levers to render said means ineffective.

7. In a telegraph printer, a carriage, spacing 4o mechanism effective upon said carriage to pro- I duce character spaces, permutation code mechanism to control operations other than recording comprising a plurality of function code levers, tabulating mechanism operative in response to 45 the selective operation of a certain one of said levers to control the advancement of said carriage through a predetermined plurality of spaces at a time, a blocking element, a control lever therefor effective in response to a consecu- 50 tive operation of said certain one of said levers to render said blocking element efiective to block said certain one of saidlevers, and means effective under certain operating conditions to restore said blocking'element to its unblocking position. 55

8. In a telegraph printer, a carriage, spacing mechanism effective upon said carriage to produce letter spacing, permutation code mechanism to control operations other than recording comprising a plurality of function code levers, tabulating mechanism operative in response to the selective operation of a certain one of said code levers to control the advancement of said carriage through a predetermined plurality of spaces at a time, a slide comprising a blocking instrumentality, a pair of control levers for said slide, means effective in response to the actuation of one of said control levers by said certain one of said code levers to move said instrumentality into register with said code lever to prevent the consecutive operation of said code lever, and means operative on the other of said control levers for rendering said instrumentality in-elfective.

9. In a telegraph recorder, a carriage, a spacing mechanism efiective upon said carriage to produce letter spacing, a plurality of function levers, tabulating mechanism operative in response to the selective operation of a certain one of said function levers to control the advancement of said carriage through a predetermined plurality of spaces at a time, a blocking instrumentality, and means operated by said certain one of said function levers to render said instrumentality effective to prevent the consecutive operation of said certain one of said function levers.

10. In a telegraph recorder, a carriage, a spacing mechanism effective upon said carriage to produce letter spacing, a plurality of function levers, tabulating mechanism operative in response to the selective operation of a certain one of said function levers to control the advancement of said carriage through a predetermined plurality of spaces at a time, a baflle member, and means operated by said certain one of said function levers to render said baffie member eifective to prevent the consecutive operation of said certain one of said function levers.

11. In a recorder, a carriage, spacing mechanism effective upon said carriage to produce letter spacing, a plurality of function levers, tabulating mechanism operative in.response to the selective operation of a certain one of said function levers to control the advancement of said carriage through a predetermined plurality of spaces at time, a slide comprising a blocking instrumentality, a pair of control levers, resilient interconnection between said slide and one of said control levers, pivotal articulation between said slide and the other of said control levers, means whereby said resilient interconnection is rendered effective to move said instrumentality into register with said one of said function levers to prevent consecutive operation thereof, and means effective through said pivotal interconnection to move said instrumentality out of register with said function lever.

CHARLES W. BURCKY. 

